Coach Roger Schmidt stated on Monday that progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League still depends solely on Benfica, who will give “everything” to beat Spanish side Real Sociedad.
“[Este jogo] It is not a final decision. We have big ambitions and want to stay in the Champions League. Last season we worked hard to qualify and this year we want to stay in the biggest club competition. Let’s do everything we can to win the game and change the dynamic of this groupo,” the coach noted.
During a press conference previewing the match on the third day of group D of the ‘millionaires’ competition, Roger Schmidt did not announce whether Bah and Di María, who have been absent from the last few matches due to injury, would be starters can be, even though they are trained without restrictions.
“We will see with the medical team how we deal with this situation. We don’t want to take any risks, but on the other hand this is a very important match. We have to keep working to get the chance to have them, or it is now at the starting line-up or on the bench. We have to make sure the players are fit,” he said, without wanting to “open the game too much”.
The ‘reds’ have not yet scored any points, after the defeats against Salzburg (2-0) – in which Benfica was “very unlucky” – and Inter Milan (1-0) – where the second half “was not the best”, but a defeat in Milan does not necessarily have to be a problem.”
“It wasn’t the ideal start. There are only four games left and if we want to reach the knockout stages we will have to change this dynamic. That will be the goal tomorrow.” [terça-feira] up to 100%. We count on the support of the fans and our unity and quality,” he emphasized.
Roger Schmidt also emphasized that the most important matches of a season “are against FC Porto”, despite the importance he attaches to this match against Real Sociedad, a team to which he left several compliments, but the confidence in the ‘red’ victory remained .
“They have a very clear approach in attack and are very good in transitions. When they win balls, they have players available for counter-attacks. I see a very good team and I know very well that we will have to play at our best .” They are in good form, have had an excellent season and are one of the best teams in Spain. It’s a very balanced team.” the German coach analyzed about his rival.
Portuguese international António Silva was also present at the Benfica Campus auditorium in Seixal, where he appealed for the “very important” help of the twelfth player, the fans, reinforcing the idea that progress to the ‘eighth’ still is always a reality.
“It’s the pressure of playing for Benfica. This is a huge club but we are used to the football world. I am still very new to these trips but I know the demands of my club. It is a competition to win and give everything,” the young central defender emphasized.
The Eagles’ defensive performance was lower than last season, but António Silva assured that this is an aspect they have been working on during training to reverse.
“If we look at last year, we conceded a lot fewer goals. It’s a very collective thing, we know we still have a lot to improve. It’s an aspect we’ve been working on over the last week and we hope to turn this situation around.” “, emphasized the player, who missed the second round match due to punishment after being sent off in the first minutes of his debut.
National champions Benfica, last placed in Group D, still without points, will host Spain’s Real Sociedad, who lead by four, at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon on Tuesday in a third round match, led by the French referee. Clemens Turpin.
Source: DN
